Instant Cheer-Uppers

Just today we heard the sound of thunder rumbling through our office! The monsoon rains are signaling their imminent arrival. With wind and rain come common annoyances like dreadful traffic, unavoidable delays, messy hair, chilly clothing and predictably soaking, squeaky shoes.These things invariably cause a shadow of gloom to cast a shadow on our erstwhile beautiful days.So here we are to the rescue! We’ve compiled some suggestions from all around on how to instantly uplift your spirits while it’s raining giraffes and elephants outside!

Always Look Forward to Something“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” – Iris Murdoch This is part of Sam Berns philosophy to happiness. Despite progeria, Sam enjoys his life and always has something to be excited about.

Be Grateful.“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18Get a pen and paper and start listing down every good thing in your life right now. Get that joy flowing. “Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.” ~ Fyodor DostoevskyGratitude is a springboard for many good things, namely the next cheer-upper…

Don’t forget to smile!

Simplicity is Key“I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.” – Henry MillerWe all get that feeling sometimes – “If only I had (this or that) … I’d be happy.” It’s an illusion. Once you get that, you’ll want something else! It’s a never ending cycle. Wouldn’t it be just wonderful if you could say “I have everything I need to be happy right here, right now” (and mean it). To get to this place you need a lot of gratitude (see above).“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13).

Listen to music.

We are what we hear. Garbage in, garbage out. Life is what we make it. Get the picture? (We don’t haha.) What we are saying is simply this – whatever you listen to, thoughts, ideas, values and philosophies – you absorb and eventually live out (specially if you’re at it all day long).

Look Outward“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” ~ Mark Twain

Try these instant cheer-upper tasks:

– give a snack to someone hard at work

– smile at someone you think needs it

– hug an elderly person

– put a thank you note on the fridge

– offer someone your food

– pray that someone you know gets his wish

– give way to that car

– tell someone you’ll do an errand for them

– treat someone out

Eat a Banana“A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.” -John Locke

If you want to be in a good mood, be sure to store up on food rich in Vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium and potassium that when combined elevate your dopamine and energy levels. These nutrient-packed food will help battle those blues away. You probably have one of these right in your kitchen cupboard. Our favorites are:

Banana

Popcorn

Salmon

Strawberries

Yoghurt

Walnuts

Sunflower Seeds

Tomatoes

Oregano

In contrast, here are the feel blah and blue food:

Potato ChipsHam

Softdrinks

Margarine

Peanuts

Alcohol

Caffeine

Pray

“Every now and then,

when the world sits just right,

a gentle breath of heaven

fills my soul with delight…”

~Hazelmarie “Mattie” Elliott, A Breath of Heaven

Want all of creation’s secrets to open up to you? Then open up to the Creator!Studies show that spending some time in silence and praying is one of the best ways to be instantly happy. Don’t know what to think about? Try this: ACTSA – AdorationTell God He’s just awesome!

C – ConfessionTell Him you’re sorry for things that you’ve done wrong. Don’t worry, He already knows… but He just wants to help you with these (if you’ll let Him).T – ThanksgivingThere is so much to thank Him for. You can start with “Thank you I’m alive!”S – SupplicationAsk Him for anything you need (or even want). Be specific in your prayers!Do try it! It’s an instant cheer-upper for every morning.

May you be a Proverbs 31:25 person who laughs at the days to come!

We hope that this season doesn’t bring any floods of the watery kind but rather a shower of joy and beauty!